September 11th marks the anniversary of Chile’s 1973 coup against the government of Salvador Allende, establishing military rule from 1973 - 1990 (led by General Augusto Pinochet, who died in 2006). Each year the anniversary is marked by demonstrations, marches, and protests, usually in downtown Santiago near government buildings and some outlying communities of the Metropolitan Region.

Demonstrations could begin as early as noon on the 11th and are expected to continue into the evening. As these demonstrations can turn violent, U.S. citizens should monitor the media for the latest information on the locations of the demonstrations and to avoid those areas. The demonstrations will affect transportation services in some areas.

We wish to remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.

U.S. citizens living or traveling in Chile are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) through the U.S. Embassy website. By enrolling, you make it easier for the embassy to contact you in case of emergency. U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly at the U.S. Embassy in Santiago, located at Avenida Andres Bello 2800, telephone 011 (56)(2) 330-3000, e-mail SantiagoAmcit@state.gov.

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Emergency Messages page of the U.S. Embassy website. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook. You can also download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips.

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